It’s my first summer since beginning college and things sure do feel different around here. I miss my school, I miss my friends and I miss the freedom of not living under my parent’s roof. However, being home for a few months does have its advantages. Instead of wishing summer away in anticipation of returning to school this fall, consider these positives about a summer spent at home
1. FOOD
The diet of a college student is an interesting one to say the least. From late night Ramen to whatever the cafeteria is serving that day, we find a way to eat whatever we can salvage. Spending the summer at home means availability to good food for three whole months. Home cooked meals and all your favorite local restaurants-- dig in.
2. High School Friends
Once you go away for college, high school friendships tend to drift apart. However, when everyone comes home for the summer you are bound to bump into some of your high school peers. Take this time to catch up with these people and hear about what they are doing with their life post-high school graduation.
3. Pets
The inability to have a pet on a college campus creates a sadness in us all. Coming home means reuniting with your childhood companions. No matter how long you've been gone your pet will remember you and love you just as much, if not more than ever.
4. Family Time
While at school, many people find themselves communicating with their families less and less. Summer break allows you and any siblings to all be under the same roof again. Sure, it might get frustrating adjusting back to this lifestyle but deep down you are probably happy that the whole family is together again
5. Having college friends visit
When we create friendships in college we tend to associate them with our school and may not really think about what their hometowns may be like. Summer is a great opportunity to have college friends come spend time with you in your hometown and vice versa.
6. Summer Job (dolla dolla bill ya'll)
During school, many students find it difficult to maintain a job. Summer gives us the opportunity to make some cash to save up for when we return in the fall. Whether you are working your summer job from high school or started a new experience be thankful for the opportunity to make some money while you are home.
7. More free time
One word: Netflix. Spend this time wisely.
8. Sleep
Although we may be working, the opportunities to catch up on sleep are far more accessible at home than at school. Enjoy all the sleep you can get because come fall we all know we'll miss this part of our summer.
9. Appreciating your hometown
After establishing a new home in your college town, you may start to feel disconnected from your hometown. Spending your summer at home allows you to remember all the great things about where you come from and appreciate them in a new way. Take these months to soak in where you come from.
10. Reflection on how much you love your school
No matter how good or bad your summer at home is, one thing's for sure: you miss your college. Take this time to take a step back and realize how happy your school makes you and all the great things to look forward to in the coming year.
Summer will be over before we know it, enjoy it!
